Pochettino Regrets Limited Role in Balogun Appeal Before Belgium Clash
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he should have played a bigger role in the appeal that cleared Folarin Balogun to face Belgium at the World Cup, saying the dispute changed the mood around his team.
What we know
- Balogun was sent off in the United States’ round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. FIFA later put his one-match suspension on hold for 12 months, making him eligible for the next tie.
- The ruling triggered major controversy after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had personally stepped in for the tournament co-hosts. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also accused of compromising political neutrality rules.
- Pochettino said he had not been part of the decision to challenge the red card and now regrets staying outside the process. He said the outcome was difficult for people to understand even though the appeal succeeded.
- The United States had moved smoothly through the group stage and beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina while targeting a first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002. Belgium then won the last-16 match 4-1.
- Balogun said the controversy affected the U.S. players, while Belgium’s squad said it provided extra motivation. Pochettino agreed, saying the match was played in a changed atmosphere and could not be judged simply through selection, tactics or strategy.
- Pochettino, who agreed a new contract after the World Cup, believes a smaller group should handle similar decisions in future.
Next step: Peru friendly in Orlando
The United States are preparing to play Peru on Saturday in Orlando. Pochettino said the Belgium defeat was difficult to assess because his side entered the match in an unsuitable environment for World Cup competition.
Balogun is not in the first U.S. squad selected since the tournament. The Monaco forward made his first appearance of the season last week after a proposed Everton move collapsed and a minor injury delayed his return.
After Peru, the United States will meet Chile, Mexico and Canada during the current international window.
